Gay union taboo in PNG

VLAD Sokhin, videographer of the film Guavas and Bananas: Living Gay in PNG said no one really talks about legalising gay marriage in Papua New Guinea.

The film shown during the Human Rights Film Festival this year highlighted concerns by the gay community in finding safety when expressing their sexuality, their struggle and hope for acceptance in PNG.

Sokhin said his decision to make the film was based on the fact that such topics were rarely discussed because of their sensitivity.

He said there were accounts of brutality of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.

“They were telling me horrible stories of gang rapes, beatings, or even killings of gay people that happened some years ago in Moresby,” he said.

“I understood that these accounts should be heard by people in PNG and overseas so that not just me, but members of PNG lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community can tell their stories.”

PNG outlaws homosexuality and sodomy is a criminal offence punishable by up to 14 years imprisonment.

Sokhin said the law marginalised them and deprived them from accessing their basic human rights in health services, education and employment.